Fourteen former international cricket captains have issued a humanitarian appeal urging Pakistani authorities to ensure adequate medical care and humane conditions for former Pakistan captain and ex-prime minister Imran Khan, amid growing concern over his health in custody.
England’s Mike Atherton, Nasser Hussain and David Gower have also signed the petition about Imran.
“Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolising his all-round brilliance, charisma, and competitive spirit,” they said.https://t.co/jfS9pN1TKy
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) February 17, 2026
Khan, 73, has been detained since August 2023 and is currently held at Adiala prison in Rawalpindi. He is serving separate sentences of 17 and 14 years following convictions related to corruption and the handling of state secrets. He denies wrongdoing and has been acquitted in some cases.
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The open letter, signed by prominent former captains from multiple cricketing nations, expresses “deep concern” about Khan’s well-being, citing reports of deteriorating eyesight and restricted access to medical treatment. According to his legal team, delayed care has led to severe vision loss in his right eye. His family has also alleged prolonged solitary confinement and inadequate medical monitoring.
Former cricket captains appeal to the Government of Pakistan for better treatment of Imran Khan.
The former Pakistan World Cup-winning captain has been confined to prison, with no information available about his health or safety. pic.twitter.com/aeOEvwS7MM
— Cricwick (@Cricwick) February 17, 2026
The signatories, many of whom competed against Khan during his celebrated playing career, called for immediate and ongoing treatment by qualified specialists, regular family visits, dignified detention conditions, and transparent access to legal processes. The letter emphasizes that respect among cricketers transcends political divisions and highlights Khan’s legacy as one of the sport’s most accomplished all-rounders and leaders.
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Khan famously captained Pakistan to its first Cricket World Cup triumph in 1992 and later founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, becoming prime minister from 2018 to 2022. His imprisonment followed a series of legal cases after his removal from office.
Pakistan’s information minister has stated that further medical evaluations will be conducted by specialist doctors. However, Khan’s family continues to call on international human rights organizations and legal institutions to monitor his treatment and ensure his rights are protected.
The appeal reflects rare cross-border unity among cricket figures, underscoring the enduring influence of sport in advocating humanitarian concerns beyond political boundaries.
